Wagdos, Miranda show Davaoeño class in 39th National MILO Marathon Davao race

Davaoeños Sonny Wagdos and Judelyn Miranda grabbed the top spots of the 21K centrepiece event at the National MILO Marathon qualifying leg in Davao City on Sunday. The city known as the Crown Jewel of Mindanao saw about 8,500 runners grace the running routes in the biggest and grandest running event in the country. Reigning MILO Marathon King Rafael Poliquit, who is already automatically qualified for the finals having won the 2014 MILO Marathon tilt, also gave his legs a stretch out in the Davao race.

Wagdos and Miranda each took home the top prize of P10,000 in cash and a trophy; and earned their slots to the National MILO Marathon Finals. The finals will be held in Angeles on December 6, where they will meet the nation’s elite runners in a heated grand finale to claim the MILO Marathon King and Queen titles. To provide another level of prestige to the competition and incentive for the runners, this year’s King and Queen will be sent by MILO to the USA on all-expense paid trips, for a chance to run in the prestigious 2016 Boston Marathon.

Despite the challenging new race route, Wagdos excelled in his category as he posted a time of 01:15:25, beating his rivals Michale Achalico (01:15:56) and Manny Marfil (01:19:34) who finished in second and third place, respectively. In the distaff side, Miranda clinched first place with a time of 01:32:57, relegating Madelyn Carter (01:48:19) to second place and Hazelvic Villanueva (01:52:07) in third place.

This race is Wagdos’ second championship crown in Davao. The 21-year-old 4th year student of Univeristy of Mindanao has been running since he was in elementary. “I got into running because I really wanted to study and finish a degree. I was able to get scholarships because of my passion,” he shared. “I always have to focus on academics so I’m not always 100% in training. This year’s race route is also quite difficult because of the uphill parts. Fortunately, I still won the race. I’m so happy.

milo

(From left) Sonny Wagdos ; Judelyn Miranda 

Miranda, on the other hand, has won a total of six regional leg champion crowns – three in Butuan, and three in Davao. Like Wagdos, she has been running since she was a child, and joined her schools’ track and long distance running varsity teams. She has been joining the MILO Marathon with her elder sister for 20 years now. “For this race, I trained in the mountains, so I was prepared to face the uphill route,” she shared. “It was quite hard to balance my training time with my work shifts, so I am very proud of this victory. I would also like to dedicate this win to my uncle who just passed away.”

The National MILO Marathon is not only a breeding ground for local talents but also a program that empowers underserved children nationwide. With the support of the Department of Education and the National MILO Marathon runners, MILO’s Help Gives Shoes advocacy will provide 10,000 underprivileged youth with brand new running shoes this year. MILO is working with DepEd in the selection of deserving public school student beneficiaries.

The race will resume in in Butuan (November 15) and Cagayan De Oro (November 22). The National Finals will be held on December 6 in Angeles, Pampanga.

The 39th National MILO Marathon is made possible by Timex, the Bayview Park Hotel Manila, ASICS, Smart and Maynilad, along with endorsements from the Department of Education, Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.

Wagdos, Miranda show Davaoeño class in 39th National MILO Marathon Davao race

Davaoeños Sonny Wagdos and Judelyn Miranda grabbed the top spots of the 21K centrepiece event at the National MILO Marathon qualifying leg in Davao City on Sunday. The city known as the Crown Jewel of Mindanao saw about 8,500 runners grace the running routes in the biggest and grandest running event in the country. Reigning MILO Marathon King Rafael Poliquit, who is already automatically qualified for the finals having won the 2014 MILO Marathon tilt, also gave his legs a stretch out in the Davao race.

Wagdos and Miranda each took home the top prize of P10,000 in cash and a trophy; and earned their slots to the National MILO Marathon Finals. The finals will be held in Angeles on December 6, where they will meet the nation’s elite runners in a heated grand finale to claim the MILO Marathon King and Queen titles. To provide another level of prestige to the competition and incentive for the runners, this year’s King and Queen will be sent by MILO to the USA on all-expense paid trips, for a chance to run in the prestigious 2016 Boston Marathon.

Despite the challenging new race route, Wagdos excelled in his category as he posted a time of 01:15:25, beating his rivals Michale Achalico (01:15:56) and Manny Marfil (01:19:34) who finished in second and third place, respectively. In the distaff side, Miranda clinched first place with a time of 01:32:57, relegating Madelyn Carter (01:48:19) to second place and Hazelvic Villanueva (01:52:07) in third place.

This race is Wagdos’ second championship crown in Davao. The 21-year-old 4th year student of Univeristy of Mindanao has been running since he was in elementary. “I got into running because I really wanted to study and finish a degree. I was able to get scholarships because of my passion,” he shared. “I always have to focus on academics so I’m not always 100% in training. This year’s race route is also quite difficult because of the uphill parts. Fortunately, I still won the race. I’m so happy.

milo

(From left) Sonny Wagdos ; Judelyn Miranda 

Miranda, on the other hand, has won a total of six regional leg champion crowns – three in Butuan, and three in Davao. Like Wagdos, she has been running since she was a child, and joined her schools’ track and long distance running varsity teams. She has been joining the MILO Marathon with her elder sister for 20 years now. “For this race, I trained in the mountains, so I was prepared to face the uphill route,” she shared. “It was quite hard to balance my training time with my work shifts, so I am very proud of this victory. I would also like to dedicate this win to my uncle who just passed away.”

The National MILO Marathon is not only a breeding ground for local talents but also a program that empowers underserved children nationwide. With the support of the Department of Education and the National MILO Marathon runners, MILO’s Help Gives Shoes advocacy will provide 10,000 underprivileged youth with brand new running shoes this year. MILO is working with DepEd in the selection of deserving public school student beneficiaries.

The race will resume in in Butuan (November 15) and Cagayan De Oro (November 22). The National Finals will be held on December 6 in Angeles, Pampanga.

The 39th National MILO Marathon is made possible by Timex, the Bayview Park Hotel Manila, ASICS, Smart and Maynilad, along with endorsements from the Department of Education, Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.

Wagdos, Miranda show Davaoeño class in 39th National MILO Marathon Davao race

Davaoeños Sonny Wagdos and Judelyn Miranda grabbed the top spots of the 21K centrepiece event at the National MILO Marathon qualifying leg in Davao City on Sunday. The city known as the Crown Jewel of Mindanao saw about 8,500 runners grace the running routes in the biggest and grandest running event in the country. Reigning MILO Marathon King Rafael Poliquit, who is already automatically qualified for the finals having won the 2014 MILO Marathon tilt, also gave his legs a stretch out in the Davao race.

Wagdos and Miranda each took home the top prize of P10,000 in cash and a trophy; and earned their slots to the National MILO Marathon Finals. The finals will be held in Angeles on December 6, where they will meet the nation’s elite runners in a heated grand finale to claim the MILO Marathon King and Queen titles. To provide another level of prestige to the competition and incentive for the runners, this year’s King and Queen will be sent by MILO to the USA on all-expense paid trips, for a chance to run in the prestigious 2016 Boston Marathon.

Despite the challenging new race route, Wagdos excelled in his category as he posted a time of 01:15:25, beating his rivals Michale Achalico (01:15:56) and Manny Marfil (01:19:34) who finished in second and third place, respectively. In the distaff side, Miranda clinched first place with a time of 01:32:57, relegating Madelyn Carter (01:48:19) to second place and Hazelvic Villanueva (01:52:07) in third place.

This race is Wagdos’ second championship crown in Davao. The 21-year-old 4th year student of Univeristy of Mindanao has been running since he was in elementary. “I got into running because I really wanted to study and finish a degree. I was able to get scholarships because of my passion,” he shared. “I always have to focus on academics so I’m not always 100% in training. This year’s race route is also quite difficult because of the uphill parts. Fortunately, I still won the race. I’m so happy.

milo

(From left) Sonny Wagdos ; Judelyn Miranda 

Miranda, on the other hand, has won a total of six regional leg champion crowns – three in Butuan, and three in Davao. Like Wagdos, she has been running since she was a child, and joined her schools’ track and long distance running varsity teams. She has been joining the MILO Marathon with her elder sister for 20 years now. “For this race, I trained in the mountains, so I was prepared to face the uphill route,” she shared. “It was quite hard to balance my training time with my work shifts, so I am very proud of this victory. I would also like to dedicate this win to my uncle who just passed away.”

The National MILO Marathon is not only a breeding ground for local talents but also a program that empowers underserved children nationwide. With the support of the Department of Education and the National MILO Marathon runners, MILO’s Help Gives Shoes advocacy will provide 10,000 underprivileged youth with brand new running shoes this year. MILO is working with DepEd in the selection of deserving public school student beneficiaries.

The race will resume in in Butuan (November 15) and Cagayan De Oro (November 22). The National Finals will be held on December 6 in Angeles, Pampanga.

The 39th National MILO Marathon is made possible by Timex, the Bayview Park Hotel Manila, ASICS, Smart and Maynilad, along with endorsements from the Department of Education, Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.

Comendador, Sorongon top 38th National MILO Marathon Tagbilaran race

About 4,000 determined Boholanos break through the starting line at the 38th National MILO Marathon in Tagbilaran City

Up-and-coming runners Emmanuel Comendador and Ruffa Sorongon outpaced their fiercest rivals and clinched the top spots in the 21K events at the twelfth qualifying race of the National MILO Marathon held in Tagbilaran, Bohol on Sunday. About 4,000 runners joined the nation’s biggest and most prestigious race, and 30 runners secured their qualifying slots for the National Finals slated on December 7 in the Mall of Asia grounds, Manila.

Comendador and Sorongon each received a prize of P10,000 in cash, a trophy, as well as a coveted slot to the National Finals on December 7, for a chance to compete for the MILO Marathon King and Queen title. MILO will send this year’s King and Queen to Japan on an all-expense paid trip to the 2015 Tokyo Marathon.

Expertly navigating the route and using the good weather to his advantage, Comendador finished first place ahead of his rivals, posting a time of 01:16:00. Elmer Bartolo (01:17:00) and Azlan Pagay (01:17:00) followed in at second and third place, respectively.*

Triathlete Emmanuel Commendador finishes his race with a cry of victory at the Tagbilaran leg of the 38th National MILO Marathon

It was only Comendador’s second time to join the 21K event, but the 25-year-old Tagbilaran native, a Marine Engineering student of the Philippine Marine Institute, showed his capabilities and tasted sweet victory. “I wasn’t really ready because of a series of unfortunate events. Last Friday, as I was on my way to school, my motorbike got hit and I was ill with fever,” shared Comendador. “I wasn’t really planning to join the marathon but my coach Jojo Posadas encouraged me to do so. I’m grateful that he pushed me to join and I will ask him to help me prepare for the National Finals.”

In the distaff side, Ruffa Sorsogon dominated the event, finishing ahead of her rivals by an impressive 16 minutes. Sorsogon posted a time of 01:33:48, well ahead of second placer Jennifer Sabella (01:49:08) and third placer Rhodora Oporto (01:50:06).*

The 23-year-old, hailing from South Cotabato, has been running in the MILO marathon for three years, and has qualified in last year’s National Finals. “My older brother, Kuya Sherwin, is the one who trains me. He also qualified in the National Finals before. We trained for six weeks, with 1K runs for six days and continuously adding up distance until we were able to do 150K each week,” said Sorongon. “Kuya Sherwin said I need to train more for long distance running so I can build up my determination and endurance. Vitamins, rest, proper food are going to be vital in my preparations. And of course, continue praying for God’s guidance.”

 (L-R) 21K race Tagbilaran leg winners Emmanuel Comendador and Ruffa Sorongon will compete against fellow elite runners for a chance to be crowned as the MILO Marathon King and Queen at the National Finals of the 38th National MILO Marathon

MILO Sports Marketing Manager Andrew Neri expressed his delight in the scenes that unfolded in the Tagbilaran leg of the National MILO Marathon. “We are very pleased to see the Boholano community come together in the MILO marathon, ready to race with big smiles and full hearts,” said Neri. “Even though Bohol still has a long way to go in their recovery from the 2013 earthquake, the resilience and courage exhibited by the Boholenos is truly admirable. We are happy to see the Boholano spirit on display at the race, and we at MILO salute them with great respect. They are the perfect example that Filipinos can rise up against any adversity that we are faced with.”

With the support of the Department of Education and the National MILO Marathon runners, MILO’s Help Gives Shoes advocacy will provide 16,000 underprivileged youth with brand new running shoes and reach the 50,000 mark this year. As MILO celebrates its 50th year, Help Give Shoes aims to make the donation to students in Yolanda-hit cities, particularly Tacloban, Ormoc, and Eastern Samar.

Ruffa Sorongon takes her winning stride as the 21K race female category winner of the 38th National MILO Marathon in Tagbilaran City

The qualifying race will head to Cebu on October 12 before picking up in Butuan (October 19), Cagayan De Oro (November 9), General Santos (November 16), and Davao (November 23). The National Finals will be held on December 7 at the SM Mall of Asia grounds in Pasay City.

The 38th National MILO Marathon is made possible by Timex, the Bayview Park Hotel Manila, ASICS, Lenovo, Manila Bulletin and Gatorade, along with endorsements from the Department of Education, Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.

Maglinao, Raterta ace Naga Leg of the 38th National MILO Marathon

21K runner Janette Agura poised to take her last victorious step as she crosses the finish line in the prestigious footrace

Mario Maglinao and Luisa Raterta trumped their fiercest rivals in 21K events at the 38th National MILO Marathon Eliminations in Naga City on Sunday. Each earned a cash prize of P10,000, a trophy, and a coveted slot in the National Finals.

Despite the high level of humidity during the race, over 9,000 runners rose to the challenge and exhibited their commitment and passion for running. 73 runners have qualified for the National Finals and will join Maglinao and Raterta as they go head-to-head with elite runners from across the country in Manila on December 7. The MILO Marathon King and Queen, to be crowned on that day, will be sent by MILO to Japan on an all-expense paid trip to the 2015 Tokyo Marathon.

The 6th Leg of the 38th National MILO Marathon advances to Naga City with participants displaying high spirits and determination

26-year-old Maglinao posted a time of 01:12:47, besting contenders Martin Balaybo (01:13:33), and Eugin Postrado (01:16:43). The native of Legazpi City, Albay, who currently works in Manila, has not received any formal training in running. “Like swimming and biking, running has always been a hobby and passion of mine. I do it recreationally whenever I go home to Albay,” shared Maglinao. “I didn’t have enough time to train for the race because I’m always very busy at work, but thankfully I still qualified and won. I will adjust and train for long distance running to prepare for the National Finals.”

Finishing with an impressive time of 01:32:10 on the distaff side is 33-year-old Raterta, outdoing challengers Janette Agura (01:37:41) and Marilyn Bermundo (01:40:59). Hailing from Laguna, the housewife also trains youth runners and considers her coaching as part of her own training as well. “The route was organized well this year, unlike before, when we would merge with the 3K runners that caused the slowing down of our pace,” said Raterta. “It’s always a challenge to maintain the proper pace throughout the race. I will focus on this as I train for the finals.” Raterta had also won first place in the Manila leg, and second place in the National Finals of the 37th National MILO Marathon last year, among other awards.

Young sprinters show their athletic prowess during the Naga leg of the 38th National MILO Marathon

“It is great to see excellent runners like Mario and Luisa who are able to balance their time between daily life, work, and their passion for sports,” said Andrew Neri, MILO Sports Marketing Manager. “Through our various sports programs and competitions, MILO is committed in helping shape our Filipino athletes into well-rounded champions as they progress in life.”

With the support of the Department of Education and the National MILO Marathon runners, MILO’s Help Gives Shoes advocacy will provide 16,000 underprivileged youth with brand new running shoes and reach the 50,000 mark this year. As MILO celebrates its 50th year, Help Give Shoes aims to make the donation to students in Yolanda-hit cities, particularly Tacloban, Ormoc, and Eastern Samar.

The National MILO Marathon upholds family bonding and wellness through sports

The qualifying race will continue in Lucena on August 31, and will head to Puerto Princesa (September 7), Lipa (September 14), Iloilo (September 21), Bacolod (September 28), Tagbilaran (October 5), Cebu (October 12), Butuan (October 19), Cagayan De Oro (November 9), General Santos (November 16), and Davao (November 23). The National Finals will be held on December 7 at the SM Mall of Asia grounds in Pasay City.

The 38th National MILO Marathon is made possible by Timex, the Bayview Park Hotel Manila, ASICS, Lenovo, Manila Bulletin and Gatorade, along with endorsements from the Department of Education, Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.